Pakistan fined for slow over-rate against NZ

ISLAMABAD, Nov 29 (APP): Pakistan has been fined for maintaining a slow over-rate against New Zealand during the second Test in Hamilton which ended on Tuesday.

Richie Richardson of the Elite Panel of ICC Match Referees imposed the fine after Azhar Ali’s side was ruled to be five overs short of its target when time allowances were taken into consideration, a press release issued here Tuesday said.

In accordance with Article 2.5.1 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to minor over-rate offences, players are fined 10 per cent of their match fees for every over their side fails to bowl in the allotted time, with the captain fined double that amount.

As such, Azhar has been fined 100 per cent of his match fee, while his players have received 50 per cent fines.

Azhar pleaded guilty to the offence and accepted the proposed sanction, so there was no need for a formal hearing.

The charge was laid by on-field umpires Sundaram Ravi and Simon Fry and third umpire Ian Gould and fourth official Shaun Haig.